ABSTRACT
Fungi have contributed towards a vast number of traditional and industrial bioprocesses that have benefited human civilization. Within this context, for the most part, fungi are associated with fermented beverages, bakery, food, and antibiotic sectors, among others. Numerous bioreactor technologies have evolved in the last century. Developments in the late 20th and early 21st centuries have seen a global comeback and significant improvements in traditional Oriental, Middle-Eastern, and European fungal bioprocesses. The advent of genomics has considerably improved our understanding of fungal genetics and metabolism. This chapter deals with various industries that have used fungal bioprocessing applications and discusses the numerous designs and specific utilization of bioreactors in fungal bioprocessing. As such, the chapter is divided into three parts: (i) bioreactors, (ii) commercial processes, and (iii) novel industrial innovations. Where further information is required, landmark works published over the last decade have been especially cited, which will redirect the reader to the specifics of those individual approaches and applications.
